"Russian strategic nuclear bombers and other military aircraft entered US air defense identification zones (ADIZs) at least 16 times over the past ten days, American defense officials confirmed on Thursday."
. . . .

"NORAD scrambled fighter jets several times when Russian strategic aircraft flew along US ADIZs. The planes included a mix of Tu-95 Bear H heavy bombers and Tu-142 Bear F maritime reconnaissance aircraft, as well as one IL-20 intelligence collection aircraft"

Those Tu-95 and Tu-142 more than likely having an offensive stand-off capability. Fire cruise missiles with nuclear warhead from a distance, rather than dropping a "dumb" bomb directly on target.

1 comment:

Steiner
said...

I'd be a lot more impressed if they flew a couple of Tupolev 160s against NORAD's air defences. Those ancient Bears would have no chance in a modern combat environment, whom do the Russians think they're kidding?